This post is sponsored by Children’s Mercy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Did you know that emergency room visits surge by over 20% nationwide during warmer months when kids are playing outdoors? This significant spike is understandable. As kids play, they often experience falls and injuries due to their developing bones, which differ considerably from adult bones. Fractures, in particular, are quite frequent. Recognizing this increase in injuries, Children’s Mercy in Kansas City provides parents with essential safety tips to help safeguard their children.
Check Your Car Seat: Ensuring your child’s safety while traveling is paramount. You can learn more about car seat safety and have a professional assist you with installation—since about 90% of car seats are installed incorrectly—by contacting Daina Hodges, the SafeKids Outreach Coordinator, at (785) 296-0351.
Be Prepared: Being ready is fundamental to preventing accidental injuries among children. Ensure you have a fully stocked first aid kit and know its location. A well-equipped first aid kit should include various sizes of adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, gauze rolls, adhesive tape, an ACE bandage, an instant cold pack, syringe and medicine spoon, thermometer, tweezers, scissors, hand sanitizer, hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, pain and fever medications, Benadryl, and antacids.
Childproof Your Home: Children’s Mercy offers a comprehensive safety checklist designed to enhance your ability to identify potential dangers in and around your home. Are all your smoke detectors operational? Is your hot water heater set to 120 degrees? Are window dressing cords out of reach of young children? Taking a few minutes to use this checklist can significantly protect your family from injury. If you answer “No” to any item, you’ve identified a potentially dangerous scenario that needs addressing. Remember, every home is unique, and no checklist fits every child or household perfectly. You can view the checklist here.
Review Pool Safety: As temperatures rise, nothing offers relief like a swim in the pool. However, keeping safety in mind is critical during this enjoyable activity. With common sense and swimming education, tragic incidents can be avoided. The Red Cross, YMCA, or local park and recreation departments usually offer swim lessons with certified instructors. These lessons provide children with fundamental swimming skills and emergency protocols. Always remind children to follow the posted rules at pools and beaches. If they are uncertain about any rule, they should consult a lifeguard. While inflatables can be fun, they should not be used by children who cannot swim without assistance. At Children’s Mercy, more than 20 kids are treated annually for near-drowning incidents; some survivors may suffer permanent harm. By implementing safety precautions and encouraging swimming lessons, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer.
Visit ChildrensMercy.org for more valuable resources and follow Children’s Mercy on Facebook and Twitter for additional parenting advice.
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